President South Africa visits Dutch greenhouse project

President Jacob Zuma officially launched the Dube Tradeport in Durban, on March 8, 2012 in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, in which the Dube Agrizone is located. Prior to the launch on Thursday morning, Zuma joined by national ministers, visited the Agrizone site where Certhon, a Dutch greenhouse specialist, has realized 16 hectares of greenhouses in 3 blocks. The project is delivered turnkey by Certhon.

The province of KwaZulu-Natal has set up this very ambitious project just north of Durban, to develop the economic strength of the region and to make it one of Africa’s largest and most important gateways. This project, known as Dube Tradeport, features a new international airport, cargo terminal, Trade zone, Agri zone and IT and telecommunications platform.

Impressed
President Jacob Zuma says he is impressed by developments at the Dube Trade Port, especially in the areas of agriculture and food security.

"As this project demonstrates, there is real scope for growth and finding new markets for the produce, including exports. Other than improving food security, agriculture is an important source of exports," said Zuma. “More importantly, for too long, agriculture has been a neglected sector that was a symbol of division due to the contestation over land.”

Economic development
“We will be able to boost economic development and job creation and take forward our campaign against poverty, unemployment and inequality.
We cannot do this work alone as government. Working together with the private sector and the community, greater success is achievable.” said Zuma.

Much of the work in the Agrizone has been carried out by local and regional companies under supervision of Certhon, with a strong emphasis on training and development of certain minority groups determined by the government. This is one of the many consequences of the policies adopted by Nelson Mandela.

For more information, please visit: www.certhon.com